Ellsworth participates in Joint Thunder

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Approximately 130 personnel from the 28th Medical Group, partnering with the South Dakota Army National Guard, participated in the joint realistic field training exercise Joint Thunder June 9 through 21 throughout South Dakota. 

By partnering with the SDANG and teaming with the 345th Combat Support Hospital, Air Force members built a better joint medical team, gained knowledge on convoy operations, received training in land navigation and participated in night vision operations. 

"The 28th Medical Group's participation in the exercise was an outstanding learning experience providing an opportunity to review contingency medical skills and practice warrior skills in a joint environment," said Col. Naomi Boss, 28th Medical Group commander. "We received highest praise from the Army units for our participation and at the same time were able to educate them on our mission and procedures." 

Airmen from the 28th MDG had the opportunity to experience set-up and operation of a bare base operation in challenging weather conditions as the South Dakota weather changed dramatically almost each day. 

"I believe this was the perfect environment to expose our young airmen to in order for them to better understand the expeditionary conditions many of our United States forces deal with today," Lt. Col. Tom Greenlee, 28th Medical Support Squadron commander said. 

"The joint portions of this exercise went well. Our medical counterparts worked hard to integrate our medics into the operations," said Lt. Colonel Greenlee when asked about the overall success of the exercise. "They supported us with Army and Allied CH-47 airlift for troop movements and tactical ground vehicles for land navigation, convoy and night vision training." 

"Joint Thunder prepared our Airman for future support to the warfighter," said Colonel Boss. "It was evident to see first-hand how all the moving parts of a deployed base affect the mission. For many who have not deployed, it was the first time to work so closely with the Army. It is the synergy between the Army and Air Force medical services that is pivotal to sustaining the highest patient survival rate in any conflict in U.S. history." 

"Based on what we learned this year, I think there are several opportunities for us to broaden our involvement, to include partnering with our Air National Guard aeromedical evacuation units in Wyoming and Minnesota," said Lt. Colonel Greenlee. "They could not participate this year due to deployments and exercise funding issues. 

"Besides giving our airmen an opportunity to work beside their joint counterparts, I believe there was great benefit to our medical plans and medical logistics flight personnel. They, along with our cadre, did a great job of managing all the moving parts to take care of our airmen while they were in the field." 

"This training opportunity wouldn't have occurred without the expert leadership of Lt. Colonel Greenlee," said Colonel Boss. "His vision and motivation made this a reality, a first for the 28th MDG in the 23 year history of Joint Thunder. 

"Some star performers from the 28th MDG included Tech. Sgt. Mike Brathole and Staff Sgt. Ron Kuske who since last September planned and logistically made this happen." 

"This joint operation is a match made in heaven," said Army Col. Jacqueline Smith, 345th CSH commander. "The ability to share this opportunity has been great and with the rapid response medical capabilities we have a better understanding of what our joint capabilities are."